Origin & Meaning of the Greenwald Surname
What does the last name Greenwald mean?
The surname Greenwald carries the meaning "Forest." It is derived from the German language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 6,664 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Greenwald ranks as the #5,234 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Greenwald come from?
The Greenwald surname has its roots in German heritage. Names of German origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Greenwald name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Greenwald trace back to German. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Greenwald |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Forest |
| Origin | German |
| Language | German |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,234 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,664 |
| Per 100K People | 2.26 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Greenwald
According to the US Census, the Greenwald surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,664 Americans with the Greenwald last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.59% |
| Black | 0.39% |
| Hispanic | 1.98% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.81% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 0.89% |
Popularity of Greenwald Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Greenwald surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Greenwald surname increased by 348 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other German Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Greenwald
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